Autism Evaluation & Diagnosis

In Florence

Helping you navigate
the autism journey,
every step of the way.

Our ABA Center:
4885 Houston Rd., Ste 202, Florence KY 41042

Parents are often the first to notice when their child’s development may differ from typical expectations. Observations about communication, social interactions, play, or reactions to the environment are natural, and seeking guidance from a professional can provide valuable clarity and direction.

Every child develops at their own pace, and understanding differences can be challenging without expert insight. A thorough autism evaluation can help determine whether these developmental variations are associated with Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD) and provide families with clear strategies and supportive interventions.

At Cultivate Behavioral Health & Education, we partner with families in Florence to help them understand developmental concerns and navigate the autism screening and diagnostic process with confidence.

An autism diagnosis is not a limitation—it’s understanding. It offers families insight into how their child communicates, learns, and experiences the world, opening doors to therapies, educational resources, and supports that promote skill development, independence, and self-confidence.

For families considering an autism evaluation in Florence, KY, our team is here to guide you with expertise, care, and reassurance every step of the way.

Our Autism Diagnostic Screening Tools

Early identification can make a real difference. These screening tools are quick, free, and designed to help you figure out whether a deeper evaluation may be helpful. Choose the tool that fits your child’s age and receive results instantly.

M-CHAT-R

(Modified Checklist for
Autism in Toddlers)

A parent screening tool designed to identify possible early signs of autism in toddlers aged 16–30 months.

CAST

(Childhood Autism
Spectrum Test)

A screening tool used to identify autism-related traits in children 4–11 years old.

Helping Families Navigate Autism Evaluations

Families in Florence, KY, seeking an autism evaluation may sometimes face long waitlists or limited appointment availability. We understand that waiting for answers about your child’s development can feel stressful and overwhelming.

While Cultivate Behavioral Health & Education does not provide diagnostic evaluations directly, we guide families through the process by connecting them with trusted local providers in the Florence area. We also offer access to a virtual evaluation partner, which can provide more flexible scheduling and often shorter wait times than traditional in-person assessments.

Our mission is to help families in Florence access the guidance, information, and support they need quickly and confidently, so they can move forward with clarity and assurance.

Meet Our Virtual Diagnostic Partner:Dr. Jazmin Burns

Cultivate Behavioral Health & Education is proud to collaborate with Jazmin Burns, Psy.D., of Burns Virtual Psychological Solutions.

Dr. Burns conducts virtual autism evaluations across all Cultivate BHE locations, guiding parents through the diagnostic process with care, clarity, and expertise.

Dr. Jazmin Burns is a highly experienced, neuro-affirming, and compassionate psychologist dedicated to helping individuals achieve mental and emotional wellness. With a Doctorate in Psychology, Dr. Burns brings a wealth of expertise and care to her clients. She specializes in neurodivergence and psychological evaluations and is passionate about empowering her clients to overcome obstacles and achieve their goals. Experience the transformative power of mental health and neurodevelopmental support with Dr. Burns today.

aba therapy
ASD diagnosis

What to Expect in a Autism Diagnostic Evaluation

Here’s what the diagnostic process will look like for parents and children:

1

Initial Consultation

A specialist will meet with you to discuss concerns, review developmental history, and gather important background information.

2

Comprehensive Testing & Standardized Assessments

Using evidence-based tools tailored to your child, the diagnostician may assess communication, social interaction, behavior patterns, and other developmental areas as appropriate. If appropriate, a diagnosis is made based on DSM-5-TR criteria for Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD).

3

Diagnosis & Discussion

You’ll receive a clear summary of findings, including whether your child meets diagnostic criteria, along with personalized recommendations.

4

Guidance & Support

Families will be provided with a plan that may include therapy options, educational support, and community resources to help their child thrive.

The Value of an Autism Diagnosis

An autism diagnosis can provide families with clarity and guidance. It allows you to understand your child’s abilities and difficulties better, and it may provide access to services that make life easier and long-term planning more feasible.

What’s Next:

  • Access to Services: Test results can be used to start therapy, such as ABA therapy. Once a medical diagnosis is obtained, insurance may cover services, depending on the insurance plan.
  • Educational Support: Test results can provide support for a 504 plan or IEP.
  • Community Resources: There are a number of local, state, and national resources available for autistic children and families.
  • Future Planning: A diagnosis can guide future support based on needs that evolve as your child matures.

Ready To Get Started?

Preliminary screenings are a good place to start, and often help to answer some questions. However, it’s also possible that new questions will arise. If you’d like to discuss your results, take the next step towards a formal evaluation, or are simply unsure of what your next steps are, we are more than happy to help.

Reach out to our caring team to set up a free consultation. We’re here to discuss your concerns, go over screening results, and to connect you to a diagnostician, if you need to take any clinical steps.

Stay Connected

Learn More About Autism and ABA Therapy

Frequently Asked Questions

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Not always. Some insurance plans require a referral from a pediatrician or primary care provider, while others let families schedule an evaluation or consultation directly. If you’re unsure about your insurance requirements, our team can help review your benefits and guide you to the most appropriate next step.

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An autism screening is usually a brief tool used to see if a child may show traits associated with Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD). It doesn’t provide a diagnosis but can indicate whether a more detailed assessment might be recommended. In contrast, a diagnostic evaluation is a comprehensive process conducted by a qualified clinician, who reviews developmental history, observes behavior, and uses standardized tools to determine if a child meets the criteria for autism.

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Collecting any records related to your child’s development—such as previous evaluations, therapy summaries, school reports, or IEP/504 documents—can be very helpful. Parents are also encouraged to note specific behaviors, developmental concerns, or questions they want to discuss. Even if you don’t have formal documents, your personal observations and experiences with your child are highly valuable during the evaluation process.

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Yes. Excelling academically doesn’t always mean a child isn’t facing developmental challenges. Some children with autism may do well in school but still experience difficulties with social interaction, adjusting to changes, sensory sensitivities, or communication. An evaluation can help identify these needs and determine whether additional support could be beneficial.

contact us today

get started with an Autism Consultation

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Dr. Jazmin Burns

Burns Virtual Psychological Solutions

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